The deal was unanimously approved by the league's nine-strong board but is slightly different to the agreement provisionally made with the broadcaster last September.

That was for £600m over five seasons and Sky Sports has also obtained eight extra midweek games a season.

Several Championship sides, including Derby and Leeds, strongly criticised the original proposal and many are unhappy with the final agreement.

A breakaway league had been suggested, while some clubs believe the deal ties the league in too long and was not worth enough money.

Clubs also want the 72 EFL sides to be able to split their rights packages to take advantage of technological changes such as live streaming.

The EFL board decided the deal was the best option and it will allow every club the chance to build their own 'direct to consumer' streaming service.

In a statement, the EFL's interim chair, Debbie Jevans, said: "Having fully considered the matter, its implications and any associated risks, the EFL board is satisfied that the right deal for the EFL and its clubs has been reached.

"Concluding these negotiations has indeed been challenging, as is the case when managing a diverse group of stakeholders, and the board took on board the comments and frustrations voiced by a number of clubs and has committed to reviewing the way the league engages with its clubs to ensure that we move forward in a collaborative way in the future."

Trending

These are the most annoying things you can ever say to anyone from Sheffield

These are the secret laws at Meadowhall that could see you kicked out without even realising

These are some of the sex offenders sentenced in South Yorkshire over the last year

The best places to watch huge military Mi Amigo tribute flypast over Endcliffe Park